One of the most difficult things to do after a loved one dies and the funeral has ended is to clear out the deceased’s personal possessions. There are no official guidelines about how long you should hold onto things like clothes, books, and personal mementos, which makes this process difficult. Is one week too soon to pack everything up and donate it to charity? What if you cannot or do not want to get rid of anything at all? Or, as is often the case with valuable objects, what if there are multiple family members all clamoring for the same thing? (more…)
Archive for the ‘After Death’ Category
What to Do When a Loved One Dies: Clearing Out Belongings
Wednesday, July 25th, 2018Meals to Make for a Grieving Family
Wednesday, June 27th, 2018Food and death have long gone hand-in-hand. Although few people think about food when dealing with things like death, funeral plans, and grief, it is an important part of moving forward. Meals still need to be prepared and served for the whole family, and remembering to eat regularly is a good way to ensure self-care during such a difficult time. (more…)
Gifts for the Anniversary of a Death
Friday, June 8th, 2018Most people recognize the importance of sending flowers, a gift basket, or a condolence card when a loved one dies. This small gesture helps the family know they are not alone during their difficult time, and also helps you move forward with your own grief. (more…)
Funeral Planning and Unwanted Houseguests
Monday, June 27th, 2016When a death occurs, some people choose to surround themselves with family and friends as a way to cope. Being alone during this time can be difficult, especially if you are struggling with not only your grief, but day-to-day pressures like taking care of your kids, figuring out how financial matters stand, and self-care. (more…)
Clearing the House after a Loved One Dies: Things You Can’t Donate
Monday, June 20th, 2016When a loved one dies and leaves all of his or her personal effects behind, it can be a great comfort to hold onto some of their most beloved belongings. Valuable artwork, a china cabinet that has been in the family for centuries, personal touches like perfume or a scarf—all these things can be passed on and treasured as you find ways to cope with your grief. Unfortunately, it isn’t possible to keep everything, which means you will eventually need to sort through their belongings. (more…)